Bernadete Beserra

Beserra's work examines both the attraction of American culture for Brazilians and also how Brazilian immigrants of different social and economic classes integrate into American society.

Beserra examines Brazilian immigration to the United States from the perspective of the relationship between the two countries as it developed through American imperialist expansion in Brazil. Drawing on ethnographic research among Brazilians in Los Angeles, she shows that direct or indirect contact with American culture develops the need or the dream of living in the United States.

Once in the U.S., different expectations and reasons for immigrating, class position in Brazil, and the networks to which Brazilian immigrants are connected define how they will integrate into American society. By exploring the experiences of the members of two Brazilian associations, the Portuguese-speaking Seventh-Day Adventist Church of Chino, and the Brazilian Women's Group in Los Angeles, Beserra offers important clues for understanding the various expressions of the political economy of social class, race, and ethnicity in the United States.

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Scene and the Study
1. Theory and Research
2. Ways to Los Angeles: Hollywood, American Children, God, and other Dreams
3. Brazilians in Los Angeles
4. Brazilian Adventists in Chino
5. The Brazilian Women's Group: A Place to Feel at Home
6. Carving Out a Place in Los Angeles
7. The Dilemma of Americanization and the Reinforcement of a Mythical Brazilianness
8. Conclusion

Appendix
References
Index